Important sizes to remember for social media design

Life would be so simple if there was only one social media platform on the internet. Unfortunately, there are dozens and each comes with its own varying parameters for users and designers to abide by. That adds up to a lot of avatar, cover and header dimensions!

To make life a little easier, this article takes a look at seven of the most commonly used social media platforms and the important dimensions to keep in mind while designing a profile page.

1. Twitter

While Twitter profile pictures are commonly displayed at 75 x 75px on phones, the desktop version displays them at 200 x 200px. Further, the website has a dynamic element that allows users to click a profile picture and view it at a larger size.

For this reason, many prefer to upload their image at 400 x 400px to accommodate users who utilize the dynamic functionality.

In addition to profile pictures Twitter recently renovated the header section of user profiles, allowing users to uploaded images at a recommended 1500px x 500px size. With that said, the height can be less if need be.

2. Facebook

Similar to Twitter, Facebook displays profile pictures at several sizes depending on device. These sizes range from 128 x 128px on smart phones to 180 x 180px on computer screens.

With that said, images should be at least 180 x 180px to upload. Keep in mind that profile pictures on Facebook can be clicked and viewed the same as any other pictures. Make it big and show some detail for those who want it!

Facebook also allows users to upload cover images that display at 828 x 315px on computers and 640 x 360px on smartphones. Cover images need to be at least 399 x 150px, however anything less than the full 851 x 315px size will visibly pixelate on larger screens.

3. Pinterest

Pinterest profile images must be at least 165 x 165px, with it mostly appearing at 32 x 32px. However images up to 600 x 600px can be uploaded and will be resized automatically. Unlike Twitter and Facebook, there is not much to worry about in terms of profile image resizing across platforms. It stays pretty small throughout.

4. Tumblr

Similar to Pintrest, the role of profile pictures on Tumblr is somewhat secondary. They are displayed as small 30 x 30px squares in the main feed. With that said, Tumblr asks for a minimum image size of 128 x 128px.

5. Instagram

6. LinkedIn

LinkedIn requires avatars to be sized to 200 x 200px. With that said you can upload photos up to 500 x 500px, and should consider this option in regard to dynamic web content. LinkedIn also accommodates banner sizes up to 1000 x 425px.

7. 99designs

99designs recommends avatars to be sized as a 500 x 500px square (for retina screens), that can work well at a minimum display size of 32 x 32px without losing too much detail. We highly encourage getting a high-quality, professional photo of yourself. This allows clients to immediately connect with you and puts a face to your work.

Cover images should be sized at 2480 x 400px, so it looks good on Retina displays). The display size is 1240 x 200px on desktop and wider screens; 540 x 200px minimum size on tablets.